If you thought Bronx Week was an explosive way to celebrate the borough, this year’s New York Salutes America left you filled with wonder.

New York Salutes America, a fireworks extravaganza, brought out thousands of Bronxites to Orchard Beach on the evening of Wednesday, July 1.

Continuing what has become an annual tradition in the Bronx, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., joined Senator Jeff Klein in sponsoring the event celebrating America, with a free boardwalk festival and fireworks celebration.

After a kick off performance by the C.A.S.Y.M. Steel Drum Band, Master of Ceremony Derek Woods of Bronxnet’s Bronx Magazine presided over the presentation of colors and a procession by the Unionport American Legion and the Transit Pipe and Drums Band. The pledge of allegiance by Collen McCarthy and the singing of the national anthem by Andrea Lynn Cianflone followed this.

Diaz and Klein presented awards to the event’s corporate and non-profit sponsors, and band Alive-N-Kickin’ then performed before the fireworks began at 9 p.m.

“I’m pleased to be able to sponsor this annual tradition for residents as an excellent way to kick off the Fourth of July weekend,” Klein said. “Orchard Beach is truly one of this city’s most storied landmarks and I can think of no better way to start the summer than by hosting this celebration here every year.”

“We are celebrating being with each other as friends and family and our diversity [as a larger community,]” Diaz said.

The celebration of all of America’s values also included inflatable rides, clowns for children, a V.I.P. tent party with food and drink, and all kinds of hip hop and rock music.